Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has sparked fresh debate over India’s next Test captain by backing pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as top contenders for the role after Rohit Sharma. While rising star Shubman Gill is being touted as a potential successor, Ashwin emphasized the value of experience and proposed a more deliberate transition.
Speaking on his YouTube channel in conversation with former Tamil Nadu opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, Ashwin said:
“Everyone is talking about Shubman Gill as the next captain. But there’s a loud option in Jasprit Bumrah, and why are we forgetting Ravindra Jadeja?”
With India set to host England for a five-Test series from June 20, and the squad announcement due later in May, the debate around leadership is heating up — especially with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to step away from red-ball cricket.
Ashwin argued that if Gill is to be groomed as a future leader, he should be allowed to learn under a seasoned hand:
“Why not make him an understudy to an experienced captain for two years before giving him the job full-time?”
Why Bumrah and Jadeja?
Ravindra Jadeja, India’s senior-most Test player with 80 matches under his belt, has amassed 3,370 runs and 323 wickets. However, he has never captained the national side in Tests. Jasprit Bumrah, on the other hand, has already captained India in three Test matches, most recently in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Ashwin believes India must take a structured approach to leadership selection — one that mirrors global best practices:
“Why not get all the captaincy contenders and ask them to present their vision for the team? Countries like Australia do this. Why can’t we?”
On Bumrah’s Fitness and Leadership
Ashwin also dismissed concerns around Bumrah’s previous back injury, drawing parallels to Australia’s Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins:
“Cummins had a back stress fracture too, but now he leads in both formats. Bumrah is our national treasure. He should be asked if he’s ready to play five Tests and captain the side full-time. His name should be the first in that ring.”
What’s Next?
With a new era in Indian Test cricket imminent, Ashwin’s endorsement of Bumrah and Jadeja could influence the BCCI’s thinking. A transition plan involving mentorship, experience, and strategic vision could be key as India seeks to maintain its dominance in the longest format.
Key Contenders for India’s Next Test Captain:
| Player | Tests Played | Captaincy Experience | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | 36 | 3 Tests | 155 wickets @ 21.88 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 80 | None | 3370 runs & 323 wickets |
| Shubman Gill | 22 | None | 1320 runs @ 32.19 |
Stay tuned for the official squad and captaincy decision ahead of the England series.
